A comparison of rootstocks for Valencia orange in the Sunraysia region of Australia

Abstract

SummaryThe effects of rootstocks on tree growth, yield and fruit quality of Valencia orange were evaluated on sand and sandy-loam soils typical of the Sunraysia district. Carrizo and Troyer citrange and Emperor mandarin rootstocks were the best. Sweet orange rootstocks, especially Symons selection, were comparable but their longer-term mature cropping levels were generally lower. Rough lemon rootstock also cropped well but lower fruit juice and sugar levels resulted in less production of total soluble solids (TSS) per unit of area than the aforementioned rootstocks. Similarly, yields produced on Rangpur rootstocks were average, but lower fruit juice and sugar levels gave low TSS levels per unit of area. Small fruit was also a problem of Rangpur. Williams Trifoliate orange rootstock produced small trees, having smaller crops and less TSS production per unit of area by comparison at the 6.5 m × 3.8 m tree spacings. Good general fruit quality and tree health, however, suggests that at closer tree spacings it...